A neighbourhood in Taunton have worked together to enhance their community space.
Residents from LiveWest community Massingham Park, have undertaken a community project to build a bench together starting just with a tree trunk.
The completed bench will be placed on a recently repurposed piece of land in the heart of the community.
By repaving it and adding the bench, it has now been repurposed resulting in a focal point for everyone and providing a safe space for the young people to use, which they haven’t had previously.
Shona Stone, our Community Connector, said: “Both the paving of the unused land and the community bench project have provided this community the opportunity to get to know their neighbours a little better and have a community focal point which everyone is able to make use of.
“The community bench project has brought residents of all ages together to design and build a community bench which will stand the test of time and be a testament to all their hard work.”
“At LiveWest we value the hard work that our residents put into their communities and provide whatever support we can to make this possible.”
The project has not been a quick process and has taken a lot of time and effort to complete. It was due to start back in February 2020 but faced several delays due to Covid and the weather.
Shona added: “LiveWest contractor John West provided a Social Value contribution of labour and materials to transform the unused piece of land into a paved community space where a community bench could be sited and used by all the community.”
After the young people settled on a picnic bench, Carving Community CIC were commissioned to run the sessions to support the residents design and build the bench.
James at Carving Community CIC said: “Massingham residents hands worked to make something special together over many Saturdays to create a place to meet and share and welcome others to their home-made picnic bench.”
As part of the six-week project, residents of all ages have learnt basic carpentry skills.
Shona added: “We’re really pleased with how the project has gone. Carving Community has really engaged with the whole community who have all learnt new skills and have all been very committed to coming out to each session.
“They have been very invested in the work they have been doing and have spent a long-time working with that community to get the best out of them.”
“It's gone from making the structure using the tools, to sanding it down, waxing it and putting it together. All those involved with making the bench are adding a wish each which have been incorporated into the table top and covered in resin to show they were involved with this project and that it’s part of this community. A project by the community for the community.
“It adds something to this paved area that the community will use as well as something nice to look at."
The bench is a great addition to this community with residents enjoying getting involved in something they haven’t done before and learning a new skill along the way.
Annie Nicholls said: “This was a great project for the children and adults. We all came together as a community and loved every minute. The children enjoyed making the bench and learning what the tools were and how to use them.
“The leaders were amazing and had so much time for the children. It felt like we built a great friendship with them so they will be missed. Also, a big thank you to Amy who fed everyone each week and went out of her way for us. We loved it and are gutted it is over.”
Five-year-old Mia Bishop said: “I loved making the bench and sometimes I made things out of wood. I did drawings and we had hot dogs, watermelon, and lots of food from Amy. I want to make another bench and the teachers were funny and kind and even sang sometimes.”
Nine-year-old Archie-George Bishop added: “I loved making the bench, it’s huge. I loved splitting the wood and wearing safety goggles. The teachers were very friendly too and showed me how to use the different tools. It was lots of fun and I’m sad it’s finished.”
The community are disappointed that the project has finished as they have enjoyed being part of it. But the residents are looking forward to further social activities in the future.